Gage-cock.



PATENTED FEB. 12, 1907.

A. P. PRENDERGAST.

GAGE COCK.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE 14, 1906.

nue n ['01,

readily AALOIS P. PRENDERGAST,.OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

GAGE-COCK. A

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ALoIs P. PRENDER;

GAST, of Baltimore, Maryland, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Gage- Speeification of Letters Patent. Application filed uzie 14.1966. I Serial No. 321.776.

-- Patented feb. 12, 1 907.

attained by the invention will be more fully understood from the detailed connection with the accom anying drawings, illustrating preferred emlibdiments of the Cocks, which improvement is fully set forth. inventiongand wherein in the following specification. My present invention relatesto improve ments in gage-cocks, and especially to such as are particularly designed for use on the boilers of railway-locomotives, where three such cocks tapped into the boiler at different heights are constantly used by the en 'neer to test or ga e the height of the water In the boiler. As t e fall of the water below a certain level would result the boiler which may even be so serious as to endanger the lives of the train employees and passengers, it is of reat importance that these gage-cocks shall at all times be in perfeet operative condition to promptly indicate when opened whether or not the water is at or below the level of the cockopened.

In the designs of gage-cocks now commonly used on locomotives frequent repairs are required ,to overcome leaks and otherwise guard against defective operation of the cooks when the locomotive is in use. Furthermore, the making of the mostv ordinary repairs necessitates blowing off the steam inthe boiler before the cock or parts thereof can be removed and access obtained to the part or parts to be repaired or re laced. Asidefrom the time required in ma 'ng repairs or in putting an entirely new gage-cock in place the time consumed in blowing off the steam and in subsequently refilling the boiler and a ain generating the required steam-pressure places the engine out of use for approximately three or-four hours or even 10 er.

Among the principal objects of my lnvention is the provision of a gage-cock which will permit of all ordinary repairs without drawmg off or lowering the steam-pressure of the boiler and without the aid of shop facilities or the Work of skilled mechanics, from which it follows that such repairs can be readily made en route.

Another principal object is to so construct the cock that theparts may be readily and reliably assembled and that removable and separable parts are provided at points where there is the. greatest liability of injury and wear, thereby facilitating access to the part tobe repaired and minimizing-the expense of providing newparts.

These and other objects and advantages embodiment.

in material injury to Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view.

Fig. 2 is a similar .'ew of a slightly-different tails.- Fig. 5 is asection 'of' the try-valve stem. Fig. 6 is a face view of the detachabletry-valve cap. i I

Referring first to Fig. 1, 10 is a part of the wall of a steam-boiler, and 11 is the boilersectionor' spud of the gage-cock, which may remain permanently screwed into its opening in the wall of the boiler, as the other parts of the cock may be readily disconnected and removed from this spud.

12 is what maybe-termed the valversec 'tion of the cock, having a part 13 in the form of a nut adapted to be engaged by a 'wrench to turn the valve-section 1n engaging its reduced screw-threaded end with an inte- 1101 screw-thread in the outer end of spud 1 1.

The inner end of valve-section 12 is counterbored,

the screwing together clamped tightly a' ainst the interior shoulder 15 of sphdl 1, as s own in Fig. 1.

'16 is a drip-nozzle at one side of valve-section 12. r

17 is a cylindrical sleeve for the try-valve stem, preferably tapering slight] toward its inner end, said sleeve fitting in t e outer end of valve-section 12 and having an annular shoulder 19, 'compressing a packing 60 tightl-y against an opposin annu ar shoulder 61 in the valve-section. leeve 17 also has a lu or ear 18, engaging a notch in the end of the valve-section 12, preventing turning of the sleeve in said sectionand insuring re istering of opening 20 through the wall of the sleeve with the opening of the drip-nozzle 16 when the sleeve'is in place. At its inner end sleeve 17 is counterbored, forming an annular seat 21 for the removable annular valve-seat 22, projecting slight] beyond the end of the sleeve, so as to be tig tly clam ed against the interior shoulder 24 of the va vesection when the sleeve is clamped in place by the capnut 25 directlyengaging the outer end of said sleeve. The cap-nut also acts to compress the packin .26 against the outer end of sleeve 17 and a out valve-stem 27.

. 27 is the try-valve stem, having a screwv forming an annular recess or seat 9 for a removable annular valve-seat 14, which by of parts 11 and 12 is explanation in Figs. 3 and 4 are views of dethread engaging an 'interior screw thread on the fixed sleeve 17.." At its outer end the tapere I 22. The try-valve is so name stem is provided with a turn-wheel 28. .The inner end of the stem beyond the screw- .threads is tapered and fits into the tapered openin of-a cap 30, tightly driven onto said end of the stem and constituting a removable try-valve cooperatingbwith seat d ecause by its operation the engineer is enabled to try the height of the water in a boiler. The tryvalve or cap 30 is preferably made of temchamber 8' in the outer end of spud pered steel or bronze, though any other suite able material may be em loyed- 40 is a shut-off or ehecl; valve located in a -11 and adapted to close all exit from .-.-.t;he, boiler through the: gage-cock by seatingiiagain'st valve-seat 14/ The stem 41 of t s valve passes into the valvesect1on 12, through the annular seat 22, through the try-valve or cap 30, and into a socket 143 in the end' of valvearound the stem longitudinal thereof, form ing what may be. termed a spiral stem.

The opening in cap 30, through which thisstem looselypasses, is shaped with flattened sides, Fig. 6, to conform to the crosssection of the valve-stem, forming a connection which. insures central alinement of the cutand thecentral openin provide passages aroun through spud 11, past the check-valve 40,

ed valve andcauses said valve to partake of the rotary and longitudinal movements of the valve-stem 27 in the ordinary movements of opening and closing the try-valve, but

permittingthe valve-stems 27 and 41 to'be readily disconnected in removing the tryvalve, as hereinafter explained. Radiating slots or notches 47, cut in the shoulder formed at the intersection of the chamber 8 through spud 11, the check-valve if r any reason the latter becomes disconnect ed from the stem 27 of. the try-valve or for other reason bears'against said shoulder.

Fig. 1 shows the parts position in which the try-valve 30'is closed y being tightly clamped against its seat and the check-valveis opened, being held quite a distance from its seat. To try the-height of water in the boiler, the engineer operates wheel 28 until valve-stem 27 by its screw-threaded engagement with sleeve 17 separates try-valve 20 from its seat, (but not sufficient to permit check-valve 40 to engage its seat 14,) permitting water or steam to escape from the boiler past try-valve 30, throu h opening 20, and out of drip-nozzle 1.6. The turning of the valve-stem 27 and try-valve to thus open the latter also rotates the check-valve 40. Sincethe try-valve is frequently opened and closed while check-valve 40 is less frequently closed,

the rotation and longitudinal movement of the check-valve 40 with each operation of the try-valve constantly maintains the cheek-valve in operative condition, prevents obstruction thereof'by sediment, incrustation, scale, or other foreign matter, and thus insures proper' operation when the valve is If it is found that the try-valve leaks when closed, (the position shown in Fig. 1,) the engineer, without interfering with the steam pressurefor water in the boiler, after rotating turn-wheel28 to fully open the try-valve (as indicated by the fiow of steam or water from the drip-nozzle) continues the rotation of said turn-wheel until the check-valve 40 engages its seat; closing the passage from the boiler, (as indicated by cessationof flow of steam br water from the dri -nozzle.) Capnut is then loosened, and y a longitudinal pull on the turri-wheel 28, the valve-stem 27, and try-valve the sleeve 17, still connect ed to-stem 27 by the screw-threads, and the valve-seat 22- are all withdrawn together from the valve-section 12 of the cock, the valve-stems 27 and 41 being b this movement completely disconnecte The ull upon the. connection between the va veste'rns 27 'and'41', either in closing the checkvalve before the cap-n t is loosened or in withdrawing the parts after said nut is loosened, draws or pulls check-valve firmly against its seat, thus insuring seating of this valve, particularly in the absence of steamressure within .the boiler, and when the cock is mounted in' suchposition that said valve tends to gravitate away from its seat. The principal operating parts being thus withrawn from the parts of the cock which re main attached to the boiler and prevent the escape of the water or steam therein, the de-' feetive part (usually the valveseat 22 or the cap 30) 'may be separated from the other parts and repaired or replaced. This may be readily accomplished without the aid of shop facilities or a s lled mechanic. the parts the opening in the valve or cap 30 and the spiral valve-stem 46 will rengage.

As apparent, repairs such as above explained may e easi ly and uickly made wherever the locomotive may appen to be and with out interfering with the use thereof.

As the check-valve is constantlyoiiits seat in all ordinary positions of the try-valve and by reason of the length of its, valve-stem 41 can only close against its seat when the tryvalve has been opened to an extraordinary degree, as in removing the try-valve, therev is little wear upon this check val've or itsseat, and the liability of leakage at this point is remote; but should it become necessary to rein replacing The formation and arrangement of; the

parts as above explained is suchthat the removabletry-valve seat and the removable check-valve seat may be made of difierent materials and of diflerent shapes best adapted to the materials selected. I refer to so form these seats that they may e reversed and to make them of brass or other suitable material ada ted to resist the wear of the tryvalve. In pIace of seat22. of Fig. 1 I may, for example, employ the yielding or flexible seat 50, (shown in Figs. 2 and 4,) the inturn'ed flange 51 of which is adapted to be engaged by the try-valve cap 52 and slightly yield unthe casing,

der the pressure thereof to form tight contact with the surface of said valve. In this form seat 50 is preferably made of steel, the'surface of its valve, being faced with brass or bronze;

I have herein described and illustrated preferred embodiments; but it will be apparent that the invention is capable of many other embodiments, which it is not necessary to show herein.

What I claim is- 1. In a gage-cock, the combination with of a valve and a seat therefor both within the casing; a stem for said valve; a sleeve removably fitting in the casing about the valve stem and having screw thread engagement with the latter, said sleeve being inclosed by the casing and held against rotation therein; and means removably holding the sleeve in the casing- 2. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, of a valve-seattherein; a valve? stem a detachable valve on the stem adapted to cooperatewith said valve-seat ;'a sleeve removably fitting in valve-stem and having screw-thread engagement with the latter, said sleeve being inclosed by the casing and held against rotation therein; and means removably holding the sleeve in the casing.

3. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, of a valve and a valve-stem there for; a sleeve removably fitting in the casing about the valve-stem and having screwthread engagement therewith, said sleeve being inclosed by the casing and held against rotation therein; a se arate valve-seat for the valve removably held in place by the sleeve; and means removably holding the sleeve in the casing.

4. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, of a valve and a valve-stem therefor; a separate removable seat for the valve;

a sleeve removably fitting in the casing' around the valve-stem and in screw-thread engagement with the latter, said sleeve being held against rotation in the casing and at its flange 51, which contacts with thethe casing about the inner end engagingthe valve-seat and securing it in place against an interior shoulder on th securing the sleeve within'the casing.

5. In a gage-cock, the. combination with I the casing, of a valve and a valve-stem therefor; a sleeveremovably fitting in the. casing around and in screw-thread engagement with the valve-stem, said sleeve being held against rotation in the casing; a separate removable seat for the valve fitting in a-counterbored seat at the inner end of the sleeve and held by the latter against an interior shoulder on the casing; and a cap-iiut screw-threaded onto I the end of the casing and removably securing the sleeve within the casing.

' 6. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, of a valve and a valve-stem therefor a separate removable seat for the valve; a sleeve removably fitting. in the casin around the valve-stem and in screw-threa engagement with the latter, the inner end of said sleeve engaging the valveseat and securing it in place against an interior shoulder on the casing; a projecting lug on the sleeve engaging a note in the casing when the sleeve is properly positioned in the latter;

and a cap-nut screw-threaded onto the end of the casing and removably holding the sleeve in the casingg i 7. In a gage-coo the combination with a casing comprising two separably-oonnected parts, of a try-valve and a seat therefor within the outer part of the casing; a check-valve and a removable seat for the check-valve independent of'and apart fromthe try-valve seat, and held in place at the joint .between said arts of the casing, and released upon detac ment of said parts.

8. In a gage-cock, the combination with a casing com risinga spud and a valve-section, of a try-va we in the valve-section and means for opening and closing the same against a 'seat in said valve-section; a checkwalve removable upon detaching the valve-section from the spud; and a seat for the check-valve secured between the spud and valve-section at the joint thereof and removableii on dis connection of said parts, said chec valve seat being independent of and apart from the try-valve seat.

9. The combination with a casing, of a try-valve mounted in the casing, and means for operating thesame; a check-valve; and a e casing; and a cap-nut at the outer end of the casing about the valve-stem removably connection between said valves holding the check-valve open in all ordinary positions of the try-valve and adapted to pul the checkvalveto its'closed position when the tryvalve is opened *0 an extraordinary degree.

10;. The combination ,with a casing, ofa' try-valve removably mounted in the casing,

and means for operating the same; a checkvalve; and a connection between said valves holding the clieckvalve open in all ordinary ,stems to tree the try-valve.

positions of the try-valve and adapted, upon opening of the try-valve to an'extraordinary degree and removalof said try-valve from the casing, to first ull the check-valve to its closed position and then become disengaged to free the try-valve.

11. The combination with a casing, of a try-valve removably mounted in the casing; means tor operating said try-valve including a valve-stem; a check-valve and stem therefor within the casing; and a connection between said valves including the stem of the check-valve engaging a socket in the inner end of the try-valve stem;'said connection beingv adapted, upon opening of the tryvalve to an extraordinary degree and removal ofsa'd valve from the casing, to first pull the check-valve to its closed position and then permit'disengagement of the valve- 12. The combination with a casing, of a try-valve removably mounted in the casing and a stem for operatin said valve; a checkvalve; a fiat-sided spira stem therefor pass in through a fiat-sided opening in the tryva ve, thereby forming a connection between said valve-stems transmitting to a check-valve ordinary movements of the tryvalve, but permitting disconnection of the valve-stems upon .wlthdrawal of the tryvalve and its stem from the casing.

13. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, of a try-valve and a valve-stem therefor; a sleeve removably fitting in the casing around and in screw-thread engagement with the valve-stem, said sleeve being held against rotation in the casing; a removable seat for the try-valve held by the inner end of the sleeve against an interior shoulder on the casing; a cap-nut screw-threaded onto the outer end of the casing and removably securing the sleeve within the casing; a check-valve and seat therefor; and a flatsided spiral on the check-valve stempassin'g through a flat-sided opening in the try-valve 1 into a socket in the try-valve stem. '14. In a gage-cock, the combination with the casing, consisting of a spud and a valvesection, of a try-valve and a valve-stem therefor; a sleeve removably fitting in the valve-section around and in screw-thread en agement with the valve-stem, said sleeve being held removable seat for the try-valve held by the inner end of the sleeve against an interior shoulder on the valve-section; a cap-nut screw-thread-onto the outer end of the valvesection andremovably securing the sleeve against rotation in the casing; a

therein; a check-valve. in a chamber in the outer end of the spud; a seat for the check-- valve secured between opposing shoulders on the spud and valve-section at the joint thereof; and a flat-sided spiral stem on the check valve passing through a flat-sided opening in the try-valve into a socket in the try-valve stem. i

15. The combination with a casing, of a try-valve. and means for operating the same; a seat for said valve removably mounted in the casing, said seat consisting of an annulus or ring havi an inwardly-projecting annular yielding ange with which the'valve is adapted to engage.

In testimony whereof I have signed this specification in the presence of two subscrib- 1ng witnesses.

ALOIS P. PRENDERGAST.

Witnesses: JOHN J. FALMERSON, RALPH V. LEwIs. 

